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5 Tips To Keep Your Families’ Hands Safe This Pumpkin Carving Season

2018-10-25T21:35:59-05:00October 25th, 2018|IBJI News Room, Orthopedics Care|

Halloween is a fun time for many, especially since it can mean scary haunted houses, trick or treating, decorating, costume parties, and of course,  pumpkin carving. However, few are aware that this fun seasonal activity can result in serious hand injuries.  When the Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH conducted a study examining holiday-related pediatric injuries, they found Halloween was one of the top three holidays producing ER visits, with the highest percentage of injuries being to the finger and hand. According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH),  pumpkin carving can result in serious cuts, which may cause damage to nerves, tendons, and even bones. The most common accidents associated with pumpkin [...]

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Animal Bites

2019-02-21T13:41:45-05:00November 9th, 2017|

Animal Bites Overview Animal bites can be very dangerous due to the large range of negative consequences that can occur. Typical injuries can include tissue punctures, tears and the introduction to unfavorable infectious germs. Animal bites from a pet or wild animal may seem minor at first, but can cause serious infection if not treated properly. Types of Bites The most common bite seen in patients is received from a dog. A dog’s tooth can tear and crush soft tissues in the skin causing nerve damage and deep wounds that require immediate attention. Cats bites on the other hand aren’t as common and aren’t capable of the same level of crushing ability versus a dog. Their [...]

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Artificial Joint Replacement of the Finger

2019-02-21T13:41:58-05:00November 10th, 2017|

Artificial Joint Replacement of the Finger Overview Artificial replacements of the finger joint are typically made from an implant consisting of silicone rubber, hard metal, ceramic or pyrocarbon. This technique is utilized to replace the middle joint of the finger (PIP) or the finger’s base joint (MCP). Patients will receive regional or local anesthesia before the hand surgery, or replacement process, begins. Preparation After the administration of anesthesia, the hand is cleansed to prevent infection. The surgeon will then position the hand so he or she can access the back of the fingers. Accessing the Fingers An incision will be made along the back of the joint in need of replacement. In the event that multiple [...]

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Avoiding The Pain of Osteoarthritis – Prevention Tips

2017-11-22T09:01:19-05:00March 8th, 2012|Rheumatology & Autoimmune Care|

Arthritis can take many forms, but the most commonly diagnosed is osteoarthritis (OA). (1) Caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage in almost any joint it can result in arthritis related pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, a feeling of grating in the affected joint, and point tenderness. Worldwide, millions of people are affected by OA; in the US almost 27 million people live with its effects. […]

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Basal Joint Osteoarthritis

2019-02-21T13:42:10-05:00November 9th, 2017|

Basal Joint Osteoarthritis Overview Basal joint osteoarthritis is a degeneration of cartilage in the joints at the base of the thumb. This area is collectively called the basal joint and the main component of this structure is the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. This joint allows the thumb to pivot and swivel but can wear out early in life. Causes Basal joint osteoarthritis is caused by aging, repetitive motion or wear and tear that occurs during normal use of the hand. It typically results from weakness of the volar break ligament, which normally helps maintain joint stability. The thumb can begin to move abnormally and the joint becomes irritated or inflamed when this ligament [...]

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Basal Joint Surgery

2019-02-21T13:42:29-05:00November 10th, 2017|

Basal Joint Surgery Overview Pain in the basal joint caused by arthritis makes it difficult for patients to grip, hold or twist objects between the thumb and fingers. Basal joint surgery removes and rebuilds the basal joint, restoring full function. Accessing the Joint An orthopedic hand and wrist surgeon makes an incision at the lower section of the thumb and wrist area where the basal joint is located. Joint Removed The surgeon will then remove the diseased joint by cutting and clearing away the lower portion of the thumb metacarpal. The trapezium bone at the base of the thumb may also be taken out. Tendon Reshaped A section of tendon is taken from [...]

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Taizoon Baxamusa, MD

2019-03-05T03:25:44-05:00October 16th, 2017|

Dr. Taizoon H. Baxamusa, FACS, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a subspecialty certification in hand surgery. He specializes in the treatment of hand conditions, including arthritis, nerve compression, fractures and lacerations. He also treats shoulder and elbow conditions, including diseases of the tendon such as tennis elbow and rotator cuff tears. He provides joint replacement surgery and offers minimally invasive surgery, including small joint arthroscopy. He seeks to make sure his patients understand their condition so they can be part of the treatment process. He is mindful that his job is not finished upon completing a patient’s surgery, but extends through recovery. He chose to specialize in orthopedics because of the satisfaction he receives from returning patients to normal [...]

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Leon Benson, MD

2019-03-05T03:28:41-05:00October 18th, 2017|

Dr. Leon S. Benson began his medical career began in Evanston, Illinois, the town where he was born and raised. After graduating as valedictorian of his high school class, he continued as a chemistry major at Northwestern University. In 1981, he began medical school at Northwestern University in downtown Chicago and completed a five-year residency in orthopedic surgery at Northwestern before pursuing an extra year of specialty training in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery at Harvard. Dr. Benson returned from Boston in 1991 and has practiced with the same orthopedic group ever since. Dr. Benson is currently Chief of the Division of Hand Surgery at NorthShore University HealthSystem, which is a four-hospital system in the northern Chicago suburbs and includes [...]

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Kevin Chen, MD

2019-03-05T03:57:34-05:00October 18th, 2017|

“It’s gratifying to see someone benefit from our care, to return from injury to the things they enjoy in life.” Dr. Kevin Chen is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist and upper extremity surgery of the shoulder and elbow. He completed his fellowship training at a major trauma center in Milwaukee and offers a full range of care for both common and complex conditions. He treats arthritic and chronic conditions as well as rotator cuff tears, shoulder and elbow instability, tennis and golfers elbow, repetitive motion injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome and sports injuries. Dr. Chen is among a small percentage of surgeons trained in complex elbow replacement surgery, a technique that has improved dramatically in recent years. He [...]

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Do You Have Chronic Pain in Your Hands

2017-11-22T09:18:43-05:00February 5th, 2013|Orthopedics Care|

If you’ve had chronic pain in your hands you know how discomforting and inconvenient the pain can make simple every day task. Holding a cup of coffee or typing on a keyboard can cause considerable pain. But how do you know when it’s time for surgery and what exactly is hand surgery anyway? Of course only you and your orthopedic physician can decide when surgery is appropriate as the need for surgery will greatly vary from case to case. In this article will talk about hand surgery and some of the conditions that may lead to a surgery. What is hand surgery? Hand Surgery is a field in orthopedic surgery that diagnosis treats and corrects problem of the hand. The [...]

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Hand Surgery Without Any Scars: David F’s Story

2019-02-01T10:08:45-05:00September 26th, 2018|

Dr. Williams is a PHENOMENAL hand surgeon. I had to have two operations 11 months apart. His work was brilliant, perfect, and I have NO scarring at all. Only two small, ruler-straight, very faint white lines that only show up under strong direct lighting. And my hand works perfectly. Add to this the fact that he has an extraordinary team and is just a great and humble guy, you couldn't ask for better. And no, I am not related to him or a personal friend. I was recommended to him by my first hand doctor, a pediatric surgeon who went to Dr. Williams to fix his hand. That was endorsement enough for me.

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Serafin DeLeon, MD

2019-03-05T03:59:51-05:00October 18th, 2017|

Dr. Serafin DeLeon is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a subspecialty certification in hand surgery. He specializes in treating conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder such as arthritis, fractures and other traumatic injuries, nerve compression, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. DeLeon also has advanced training and experience in the care of sports injuries and treats athletes of all ages, including college and professional athletes. In most cases ,Dr. DeLeon is able to offer arthroscopy or other minimally invasive procedures, which decrease patient discomfort and speed recovery times. He also offers patients injections with platelet- rich plasma to stimulate tissue healing. In providing care, Dr. DeLeon looks at the patient as a whole, treating the person, not merely the [...]

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Hand

2019-02-21T13:41:00-05:00August 25th, 2017|

Hand Pain No matter your profession, you need your hands for just about every daily action. The use of the hand is so commonplace and natural, we tend to under appreciate its function until injury. Without the efficient second-nature use of your hands, objects become difficult to grab, grip and hold. Our experienced orthopedic hand specialists and surgeons at IBJI are aware of the complex anatomy of the hand and will analyze your hand from finger to palm to find exactly what suits your diagnosis. When to Address Your Hand Pain with a Doctor Similar to that of the wrist, these movements are commonly restricted from diagnoses that include carpal tunnel, tendon injuries and arthritis in [...]

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Peter Hoepfner, MD

2019-03-05T03:39:17-05:00October 23rd, 2017|

Dr. Hoepfner is dual board-certified in orthopaedic surgery and in hand and upper extremity surgery. He has published numerous articles in leading medical journals and serves as an instructor of hand injuries for the national hand surgery organization where he teaches the most current techniques in treating complex wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries. Dr. Hoepfner was on the Northwestern University Medical School faculty and holds a patent for an implant in thumb arthritis. Whether using a surgical or nonsurgical approach, the appropriate treatment is tailored to each patient. As an expert in open and arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Hoepfner also specializes in carpal tunnel release, cubital tunnel release, sports injuries, fractures, dislocations, arthritis, tennis elbow, and complex elbow and wrist reconstruction. [...]

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Matthew L. Jimenez, MD

2019-03-25T13:28:05-05:00October 23rd, 2017|

Matthew L. Jimenez, M.D., FACS is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, fellowship-trained in joint and pelvis reconstruction, specializing in orthopedic fracture care and joint reconstruction. His patient-centered focus is on soft-tissue preservation and rapid recovery. He has a special interest and expertise in the Direct Anterior Approach for total hip arthroplasty. Dr. Jimenez received his M.D. degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1989 after completing his undergraduate training at the University of Utah. After earning his medical degree, Dr. Jimenez completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at Northwestern University. He then completed a one-year post graduate fellowship in orthopaedic trauma and joint reconstruction at the University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Medical Center, under the direction of Dr. Marvin Tile. [...]

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David Norbeck, MD

2019-03-26T00:52:26-05:00October 20th, 2017|

Dr. David Norbeck joined Lake Cook Orthopedics, a Division of Illinois Bone & Joint Institute in 1989 as a general orthopedist treating all orthopedic problems. After performing orthopedic surgery for 25 years, Dr. Norbeck now works to treat orthopedic problems non-operatively. He maintains full medical staff privileges at Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Illinois and is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He is also a Fellow in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Dr. Norbeck is a native of the western suburbs of Chicago. He is married with two children and enjoys reading non-fiction. He went back to school in 2012 for a Masters in Theological Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and now serves in [...]

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Surbhi Panchal, MD

2019-03-05T03:27:13-05:00October 20th, 2017|

Dr. Surbhi Panchal is a board certified orthopedic surgeon and fellowship trained in Hand & Upper extremity surgery. Specializing in disorders and treatment of the hand, wrist, elbow and arm, she supports a balance of conservative and surgical measures to achieve optimal results for each patient. “Achieving this balance means a unique discussion and treatment plan for each patient to ensure the best possible outcome,” she notes. In 2013, after completing hand and upper extremity fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic and MetroHealth Medical Center, Dr. Panchal joined Lake Cook Orthopedics, a division of IBJI. She is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the Ruth Jackson Society and the [...]

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Rhutav Parikh, MD

2019-03-26T00:56:07-05:00October 19th, 2017|

Dr. Rhutav Parikh is a board-certified physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He provides diagnosis and non-operative treatment and management of orthopaedic conditions, especially back and neck pain, musculoskeletal and sports related injuries, work injuries and arthritis and rheumatologic conditions. In addition, Dr. Parikh provides pain management care, including joint injections, electrodiagnostic medicine/EMG and nerve conduction studies. In providing care, Dr. Parikh works to build strong relationships with his patients and provide them with compassionate support. He aims to provide the most comprehensive, conscientious and innovative rehabilitation care in order to maximize function for patients so that they can return to the activities they enjoy. Dr. Parikh serves as a team physician at the College of Lake County in [...]

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Craig Phillips, MD

2019-03-05T03:52:10-05:00October 18th, 2017|

Dr. Craig Phillips is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a subspecialty certification in hand and upper extremity surgery, who specializes in treating the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. His practice focuses on all conditions affecting the arms with common conditions such as hand and wrist fractures, wrist arthritis, nerve problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tears, shoulder arthritis and shoulder replacements. He offers all current treatments but prefers minimally invasive surgery such as the use of the medication Xiaflex for treatment of Dupuytren’s disease. Dr. Phillips takes a conservative approach that utilizes surgery as a last resort only after options such as braces and injections have been exhausted. In each case, he seeks to provide empathetic care and [...]

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Scott Rubinstein, MD

2018-12-27T14:01:47-05:00October 18th, 2017|

Dr. Scott Rubinstein is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who provides general orthopedic care, with an emphasis on hip resurfacing, hip and knee joint replacement, and treating hand conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and fractures. In most cases he is able to offer arthroscopy or other minimally invasive procedures, including hip resurfacing, a bone conserving treatment for arthritis and dysplasia. In providing care, Dr. Rubinstein focuses on the entire patient, not just the injured joint. He takes time to get to know patients and understand their condition thoroughly. He usually begins with conservative measures, such as change in diet, exercise, physical therapy and medications, before proceeding with surgery if needed. He makes sure that patients are well-informed about [...]

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Christian Skjong, MD

2019-03-22T12:35:36-05:00October 17th, 2017|

Dr. Christian Skjong is an orthopedic surgeon who is fellowship trained in hand and upper extremity surgery. Treating adults, adolescents and children, Dr. Skjong sees many patients with sports-related injuries to the hand, wrist, arm or elbow. Among his specialties are microvascular surgery and small joint replacement. He also treats patients with carpel tunnel syndrome and Dupuytren’s Contracture. A native of Minnesota, Dr. Skjong earned his bachelor of arts in biology at Carleton College before moving to Chicago to study at University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at University of Chicago Medical Center and his fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School in Providence, [...]

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Hand Surgery

2019-04-08T08:27:19-05:00August 25th, 2017|

Orthopedic Hand Surgery Surgery can be nerve-wracking, especially when the operation is on something as fragile and intricate as the hands. The hands enable many forms of communication as well as the basic means to take care of oneself. Without them, life can become incredibly difficult. IBJI’s experienced hand surgeons are prepared to perform the right surgery to help you regain the use of your body's most important set of tools. Contact us at any of our Illinois locations if you need advice or believe surgery may be the best step towards a healthy hand. When is Hand Surgery Necessary for Hand Pain Relief Typically, an orthopedic hand surgeon will advise non-surgical alternatives, but on occasion [...]

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Trigger Finger

2017-11-22T09:35:43-05:00December 5th, 2013|Orthopedics Care|

Trigger finger can be a very painful condition that limits the movement of the affected finger. The phrase “trigger finger” comes from the quick snapping or sudden popping of the finger when it unlocks from a bent position, similar to releasing a gun trigger. […]

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Jeffrey Visotsky, MD

2019-04-15T10:09:21-05:00October 16th, 2017|

A founding member of Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, Dr. Jeffrey L. Visotsky is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a subspecialty certification in hand surgery. He specializes in hand, elbow and shoulder reconstruction procedures. Dr. Visotsky performs rotator cuff repairs, shoulder instability reconstruction, primary and reverse shoulder replacement, tennis elbow surgery, and all hand procedures, including reconstruction, reimplementation and carpal tunnel surgery. When medically appropriate, Dr. Visotsky provides advanced treatments including arthroscopy and the use of platelet-rich plasma injections to stimulate tissue healing. In many cases, Dr. Visotsky is able to treat patients successfully using non-surgical methods. His goal is to restore each patient back to the normal function in their activities of daily living and sports. Dr. Visotsky has been [...]

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Craig S. Williams, MD

2019-03-05T04:03:47-05:00October 13th, 2017|

Dr. Craig Williams is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a subspecialty certification in hand surgery. He provides care for traumatic, degenerative, arthritic, and pediatric conditions of the elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. Dr. Williams also treats compressive neuropathies and performs post-traumatic reconstruction. He provides advanced treatments, including arthroscopy of the wrist, the use of platelet rich plasma to treat tennis elbow and the use of the medication Xiaflex as a non-surgical alternative for treatment of Dupuytren’s disease. Dr. Williams is a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and the New Millennium Hand Study Group. He is a cyclist and plays hockey weekly. His enjoyment of these activities gives him an added appreciation of the importance of [...]

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